ND SatCom shipped SKYWAN Mesh network to ATNS for SADC2/NAFISAT network in Africa ND SatCom shipped a trans-African VSAT network based on SKYWAN technology to all SADC2 and NAFISAT sites of its customer ATNS. These ATNS networks fulfil the region's communication requirements in terms of the ICAO Africa / Indian Ocean (AFI) plan by supplying fixed aeronautical ATS/DS, AFTN and ATN communications between main Air Traffic Control Centers in the SADC and NAFISAT Regions. ATNS, in partnership with its regional partners , endeavours to enhance safety and contribute to developing global aviation intelligence by keeping seamless aeronautical communication from Cape to Cairo. ATNS is in the process of updgrading 50 sites all over Africa with equipment from ND SatCom. “Our new SKYWAN technology was successfully tested for all services jointly with representatives from ATNS. This network includes VSAT modems for Mesh topology, access multiplexors and management applications upgrading a previous installation”, stated Alexander Aschrafi, Senior Project Manager at ND SatCom. The previous generation of SKYWAN VSATs, installed in 2008, will be replaced by SKYWAN 7000 Mesh modems providing interfaces with ATS/DS, AFTN, VHF and Radar applications. “This SKYWAN modem upgrade plus new RF amplifiers will allow higher throughput and OPEX savings”, explained Michael Weixler, Head of Product Management at ND SatCom. ATNS is very proud of their new networks which can now be rolled out by ATNS specialists all over the continent. “Regional Cooperation between Civil Aviation Authorities (CAAs) and Air Navigation Services Providers (ANSPs) has resulted in the streamlining and harmonizing of Air Navigation Regulations (ANRs), which are safety oriented” adds Thabani Mthiyane, CEO of ATNS, when asked for the relationship between ATNS und ND SatCom.